Resettable Shooting Target Assembly With Latching Fold-Down Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable targets for projectile shooting practice are cumbersome to reset, detracting from the enjoyment and efficiency of the activity due to the need for manual repositioning after being struck.
Innovation Solution
A projectile target assembly with latching targets that fold into a retracted position upon impact and are automatically reset by striking a separate reset target, eliminating the need for manual repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual resetting of targets is used, then target reliability is maintained, but time loss increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The target assembly serves itself by automatically resetting through the latch mechanism. When the target is struck, the latch disengages and allows the target to return to its original position without human intervention, eliminating the need for manual resetting and reducing time loss while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured to automatically return the target to its shooting position after being struck. This preliminary arrangement of the mechanical components ensures that the target is ready for the next shot without requiring user intervention, thus reducing time loss while maintaining target reliability
2Device complexity
If manual resetting of targets is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic resetting mechanism allows the target assembly to service itself by returning to the shooting position after being struck. This self-service capability increases productivity by eliminating manual resetting operations while the mechanical latch design keeps the added complexity minimal and manageable
3Productivity
If automatic resetting mechanism is added, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the target element, the latch mechanism, and the resetting component. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, increasing productivity through automated operation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the target and the resetting force. It controls the transition of the target between shooting and reset positions, enabling automatic resetting and increased productivity while the simple mechanical nature of the latch keeps the added complexity minimal
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances shooting practice by allowing continuous use without interruptions, increasing motivation and efficiency through semi-automatic target resetting.
Implementation Method 1
the latching target may be returned to its extended latching target position (here via gravity and/or via a biasing force exerted by a latching target spring)
Implementation Method 2
the latching target 302 is situated on a latching target arm 304 which pivots with respect to a latching target anchor 306
Implementation Method 3
a biasing force exerted by a latching target spring 322 situated between the latching target anchor 306 and the latching target arm 304
Implementation Method 4
a catch 316 movably connected to the latching target anchor 306 is elastically biased (via catch spring 318) into the latch travel path
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile target assembly includes one or more latching target subassemblies and a reset target subassembly, with each subassembly bearing a target at which projectiles may be shot. Striking a target on any of the subassemblies moves it from an extended position to a retracted position, and striking the target of the reset target subassembly actuates any retracted targets of the latching target subassemblies to move back to their ready-to-shoot extended positions. A shooter can therefore reset the targets of the latching target subassemblies by simply shooting at (and hitting) the target of the reset target subassembly, without the need to travel from the shooter's shooting location to the projectile target assembly to reset the targets into their ready-to-shoot extended positions.